A HOPEVALE MEMORY

Precious in the sight of the Lord,
is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

Much of my growing years were spent in an American Baptist denomination church. The denomination was very strong on missions and missionary support. Through the years, I noticed the frequent use of the word “Hopevale”. It seemed to be such a key word when it came to missions. I later learned of 12 missionaries living in a very jungle-isolated place during World War II, hoping to avoid being found by Japanese soldiers. They had built shelters and even an area for worship in that place and called it Hopevale. Those dear folks were later found and martyred.

After my sophomore year in college, I went to serve on the student staff at our denominations conference center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Someone mentioned a trail of interest regarding Hopevale that was up from the center, but as I recall wasn't very accessible. You had to know where you were going even though at the time I wasn't quite sure what I was even looking for.

The trail wound through a dense forest area. Every now and then, there were stopping places along the trail. At each place was a poem posted, each written by Jennie Adams, a martyred nurse. I had recently purchased a hard back New Testament, but didn't have it with me upon that first visit. As I walked that trail and stopped to read each poem, I knew I had to return and copy them. They are written in the back of that very old, beat up book that I still have.

In retrieving that book and checking the back, there they are...poems written in such a simple, but profound fashion. That young woman had no idea when the Japanese soldiers would come. This is just one of those poems.

Living in a lonely forest
War clouds darkening the earth
Stripped of treasures I valued,
Things that once seemed of worth.
Though I'm barefoot in the kitchen
With it's dirt and gravel floor
I'm not poor while I have orchids
Blooming at my kitchen door.

I'm thinking of missionaries today who face danger every day in their ministries across the world. Many can't even say where they are located nor can they make public that they are missionaries and not just computer techs or teachers. They lived on an edge we will never understand and pray we will never have to know in our own lives.

More and more, we're finding that we Christians aren't the most popular in our own country and that sentiment is growing the more we take our stands for Christ. We may never walk barefoot in a dense forest. hiding from those whose aim it is to destroy us. We have a hope beyond any understanding as did the Hopevale twelve that Satan's crowd will never understand.

Dear Father, thank You for the memory of those who have gone before us, bearing Your message in the most difficult of circumstances. May we too be faithful in sharing Your message while there is time. Thank you for Jesus and all He means to us. Amen

I'm thinking of missionaries today who face danger every day in their ministries across the world. Many can't even say where they are located nor can they make public that they are missionaries and not just computer techs or teachers. They lived on an edge we will never understand and pray we will never have to know in our own lives.

More and more, we're finding that we Christians aren't the most popular in our own country and that sentiment is growing the more we take our stands for Christ. We may never walk barefoot in a dense forest. hiding from those whose aim it is to destroy us. We have a hope beyond any understanding as did the Hopevale twelve that Satan's crowd will never understand.

Dear Father, thank You for the memory of those who have gone before us, bearing Your message in the most difficult of circumstances. May we too be faithful in sharing Your message while there is time. Thank you for Jesus and all He means to us. Amen 

GIFT OF GOD

For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Romans 6:23

My sister Kay and I had been hearing from our grandmother for several weeks before Christmas, a tradition from the “old country”. She said that in that country, if children had been bad, they found only a small bunch of switches or twigs under the Christmas tree on that special day. Kay and I pretty much didn't pay attention to the story as it didn't seem to apply to us. I was about to be six at the time and Kay was around four.

On that particular Christmas day, we rose with great anticipation. Standing in the dining room where our “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree standing with lights blinking and where our parents and grandmother stood against a wall. It was obvious as we approached the tree that there were NO presents to be seen. Kay and I stood, holding hands, looking stunned. However, under the tree were two small bunches of twigs wrapped around the center of the bunches with red paper and a bow.

I recall without a word from us, we picked up our sticks and took them to our table and chairs set that sat near the tree. We sat down, opened our twigs and began sorting them out much as we had done with our Lincoln Logs. There were no tears or questions on our part...only silence and the sound of breaking twigs.

My dad suddenly, with a few choice words, not meant to be heard on Christmas day or any other day, announced that the whole thing had gone too far. He left the room and returned with as many presents as he could hold. His last trip produced two shiny tricycles. I can't recall anything being said about that day ever. No one apologized for the stunt nor did we sisters ever bring it up. I must say that we were a little leery when the next Christmas came around. Presents had been purchased, but not presented at the appropriate time. As I recall, the gifts were really good, much of what we had asked for. There was just some special that was no longer there.

God has given us the greatest gift ever. We have the gift of eternal life because of the gift of His Son, despite our sinful state. It's also a gift God doesn't play with. It's ours for the asking and our Father never takes it back. It's for eternity and aren't we glad about that. His Gift far excels anything man can come up with. How can we not praise God for His excellent gift that we won't become bored with, wear out or break. Because of Jesus...every day is Christmas and every day a gift.

Father God, we praise You for Your love and care of us. You never tease us or play with our feelings. You are real with us in every way and we can't thank You enough for Your unspeakable Gift. Thank You Jesus, for being our Savior and Friend....Amen 

WHAT'S IN A NAME

Therefore, the Lord himself shall
give you a sign; Behold a
virgin shall conceive, and bear
a son, and shall call is name
Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

Everything and everyone we know has a name. In nature, trees, flowers, animals, rocks, rivers and the list goes on and on all that have names. Places have names familiar to us. Those names may be attached to countries, home towns, streets or vacation spots. We know many buildings by their familiar names as well as popular monuments.

Human beings have been named since the Garden of Eden. The names of Adam and Eve have been known by all down through the years. Down through time, people with famous names have been known by their deeds which may have registered with either negative or positive responses. There have never been perfect people so although a person may have a stellar reputation, he or she still has flaws in their lives.

In early Bible days, it was the father who named any babies that came into the family. Names almost always held some special meaning, meanings that held hope for what that baby would turn out to be as an adult. Beyond our own given names, when we were born again into God's family, we took the name of Christian. That name we bear should never bring shame to the Father who approved that given name

When outsiders of our faith know you and me to be Christians, they don't hesitate to watch us carefully, often with negative scrutiny. We are still sinners saved by God's grace and who still make our share of mistakes. Our responsibility is to maintain good names for God's glory and good. It behooves us to take seriously the importance of a good testimony.

All of these things about names fade as we, in this holiday season, think about that name above all names that everyday becomes more and more precious. Isaiah in 9:6 says:

For unto us a child is born, unto us
a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and
his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Those names only scratch the surface of who Jesus is in our lives. In our relationship with Him, we have come to know so much more about our loving Savior. He is more than a name. He is the Love of our lives.

Father, we thank You today and every day for Jesus and all He has done in for each of us. What a precious gift He is not just on one day, but everyday. Thank You Father and thank You Jesus for all You mean to us...Amen 

THAT CREATIVE TOUCH

In the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

So often, in our Bible reading we may put to one side the more familiar passages of Scripture we feel we know well and put those passages on a back shelf of our minds. Genesis 1-3 have always been fascinating to me. They are verses full encouragement as well as seeing the amazing power of God. We read in those chapters that the trinity...God, Son and Spirit...were all involved in the work of creation. Creation or creativity don't mean how we usually use those words. In fact:

CREATION IS THE ACT OF MAKING SOMETHING FROM NOTHING!

So if someone happens to compliment us on our creativity, we may know what they are talking about, but in reality, the use of that word as we use it is very much off track. Through the years, ladies have complimented me being so creative with the “foldies” I have made through the years for Sunday school class members. In truth, I didn't create anything. I went to a craft store, purchased pre-designed paper, ribbon to match and a jar of rubber cement. Those things were already on the shelf, already made. All I had to do was put it all together. Yes, it takes some thought and often use of Scripture, but in it all, creativity wasn't involved.

There's an area of God's creativity for which I'm most thankful. I know I sin, and know any number of times I greatly disappoint God. There are times I just don't measure up to God's expectations of me. It's all my own doing and don't have any ability to mend myself without God's supernatural help. So often my need and what I so desperately need can be found in the following verse:

Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

There are times I so need my Heavenly Father's redo of my heart and spirit. It's almost like He has to start all over with me...creating from the beginning. How ever He chooses to do it, He's the only one that can create a clean heart in me and a bonus with that is the renewal of a right spirit in me. If God can create anything and everything in the beginning, He's more than capable of doing His creative work in my dirty, sinful heart. The cleanliness He brings is such a wonder and He is to be praised.

Thank You Father for loving me despite who and what I am at times. I so love and appreciate You for the work You do in my life. Thank You for Your refreshing tough in my life that can only come from You. Thank You, Jesus, for making all this possible...In Your Name...Amen 

WHERE DID TRUTH GO

Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the
truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.
John 14:6

There are just some memories that seem to stick in my mind. I was about four years old when my Mother said she heard me tell a lie. She went under the bathroom sink and retrieved a half bar of Ivory soap. They may still come as a double, but not sure. Because of my lie, my Mother said my mouth had to be washed out. I was required to take a good bite into that soft soap that claimed to be 99.44% pure. I couldn't have cared less how pure it was. I pulled all the soap our of my mouth I could but most still coated my teeth. I tried washing my mouth out with water, but that just created lots of suds...all because of a little lie I was sure was trivial compared to the punishment.

I found in looking for a definition of truth that it seemed to be a difficult word to define without using the word itself. I looked at several sources for a definition of truth and found it to be somewhat complicated for most. Some definitions made some sense such as: real facts, quality of being genuine, adherence to reality...even just factual.

I must say in our day, that I would love to pass out some bars of Ivory soap, especially to some politicians I've seen and heard who seem to know nothing about truth. When there is a breakdown in truth, trust is broken and that shakes our culture in the worst of ways. I wish it could be different but am learning in these days that I can't live life for others.

Truth must happen in the lives of we individuals. There are mandates for a little of everything in our country. The fact is that for the most part, mandates aren't worth the paper they are written on unless they are accompanied with a great deal of threat. Something like truth cannot be ordered or maintained consistently by anyone.

Truth has only one Source and that is in Jesus Christ. Without Him in ones life, truth has little meaning. For unbelievers especially, truth is what individuals decide it to be. Jesus was speaking to His disciples before going to the cross. He was doing His best to steady the ground of life under the feet of His disciples. He knew they would face some difficult days so wanted them to have a firm spiritual foundation.

What He taught then is just as appropriate for us today. Many people feel there are many paths to Heaven and declare their own truth. People speak of their own personal truth. There is no such thing. Our focus must be on THE ONE WHO IS TRUTH with the benefit of His direction no one else can offer.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your words of comfort and guidance. Help us to stay focused on You...Your way, life and also the truest of Truth. Thank You for making those things possible in our lives. Help us to be people of truth in these days when it seems to be lost to so many. In Your precious name...Amen 

COME YE THANKFUL

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my
whole heart, I will shew forth all
thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee.
I will sing praise to thy name,
O thou most High.
Psalm 9:1,2

It was two days before Thanksgiving. I was in the fifth grade at the time and remember a holiday was far from my mind. My dad was in the hospital at the time, and hadn't been able to work for awhile. Food-wise, it had been “slim pickins.” We didn't talk to anyone about it and just lived day to day. It hadn't always been that way, but was that year. Looking toward Thanksgiving in a couple of days, there wouldn't be the usual meal, but we were grateful for Thanksgiving whatever we had.

About 9:30, those two nights prior to THE big day, there was a rustling on our front porch. Mother went to the door and found no one there. However, there on our porch were two good sized boxes that were full of food. The items weren't just for Thanksgiving dinner, but a lot of extras in the way of staples to get us through for awhile.

We sat down to Thanksgiving that year with such a new look at the holiday. Being only in the fifth grade, we had colored all the pictures of turkeys and pilgrims. I had accepted Christ as my Savior early in November so for the first time, I began to realize what being thankful to the Lord and to others really meant.

We all have our Thanksgiving stories...some are highlights and others not the best. Through the years, we all have experienced both. For we who are children of God, He is the main thread that winds around Thanksgiving Day and other days. Despite circumstances, He is our constant and our presence everyday We may not eat turkey and dressing every day, but each day we live and breathe should be times of thanksgiving for we are a blessed people.

As the verses above suggest, David teaches us down through the years what we can do to be grateful and thankful people, lessons that should be a part of us to matter the special days.

David used “I will” four times in those brief verses. This indicates we must determine to be people of praise. What does thanksgiving look like to David?

*praise in singing
*praise with our whole hearts
*praise that is obvious
*praise with gladness and rejoicing

Our Heavenly Father is more than deserving of our praise and thanks despite any circumstances we are facing. He is our presence, provider and true love.

Thank You Father for all You are in our lives every day of every year. Thank You for Jesus and for Your Holy Spirit guidance. Your love is all-consuming, the root of all goodness toward us. We love You this and every day. In Jesus' name...Amen

IN THE SHADOWS

 

He that dwelleth in the secret place
of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

My red bicycle awaited me by our Christmas tree. I may have been about eight years old. I knew it was a used bike but my dad had a friend paint it, adding a new basket to make it all really special. There was enough snow on the ground that riding a bike at that time was out of the question. In fact, I didn't get to ride it until the warmth of Spring made it's appearance.On one of those days, I got to go outside and ride my bike to my heart's content. However, I had to go to the next block down from our house in order to have a smooth, concrete street to ride on. 

 Mother told me to stay just in that block and I did. Kids rode bikes in the street all the time with safety. I had a great time that late afternoon riding back and forth keeping to the right side of the street.

Soon two BIG boys made an appearance...Richard and Jerry. They both lived in corner houses of that block. They were really BIG boys...probably about 12 years old. They stopped me and told me they had called the police to come for me because it was illegal for me to be riding on their block. One guarded one end of the block and the other the same on the other end. I couldn't even go home, as they blocked me. This went on for what seemed forever.

Sooner than I expected my Daddy called my name. He had walked from our house into the block where I was “captive.” The boys scattered and Daddy said nothing to them. He just took my bike and told me to walk in front of him on the sidewalk to our house. He had gotten home for supper and I guess saw what was going on. We never did talk about the incident.

However, I was left with something I've carried through life. Behind my Daddy was the sun. It was lowering toward evening. For some reason, I immediately, looking ahead and at times down on the sidewalk, noticed I was walking in Daddy's shadow. That told me that he was right behind me and no one was going to “get me” while I was in that shadow. I almost made a game of staying right in that shadow.

Through the years I've learned some things about shadows. In themselves, they can't hurt anyone. Sometimes, one can hide in shadows if there is danger. Shadows come as a result of a light shining behind a person or thing. We have the assurance from Hebrews 13:5 that Jesus will never leave or forsake us. Even though we can't see Him physically, He casts His shadow all around us. He makes His presence known in so many ways in each of our lives. Would I like to see Jesus in person? Sure would, but for now, that is reserved for another time.

Meanwhile, we will rejoice in the privilege of hiding under the shadow of our loving Heavenly Father. He is quite capable of scattering any bullies that may come our way.

Dear Father, thank You for the security of knowing You are always with us in any circumstances. May we be willing to stay hidden in Your loving shadow where we know Your warmth and care. Thank You for Your presence in our lives. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

CLIMATE CHANGE

In the beginning God created the
heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

Perhaps you, like me, are tired of all the talk about changing our climate. The nerve and audacity of even such a suggestion is beyond stupidity. It is discussed across the world as if mere man can change our weather patterns. Of course, the thought is that all can change if only enough people put enough money politicians coffers for such massive changes to come about.

Lest we ignore the facts, the Bible mentions just about every weather and season phenomenon most people wouldn't be able to name. It doesn't take much research to find climate terminology that includes: rain, fire, hail, snow, storms, floods, whirlwinds (tornadoes), droughts and probably more. God, their Creator, has those tools to use as He sees fit for what may be for good or for judgmental purposes.

Brian and I watched a documentary several days ago that featured two major forest fires in our country. One started with just a touch of lightening on the top of one tree. From that, the wind took over spreading live embers for miles causing devastation that was incredible. Lives were lost and homes totally destroyed in less than several minutes. Okay, you clever “changers”, what is your plan for such an incident? When a tornado develops and moves toward a town, do you call the police or fire department? What about the National Guard? What do you do about that tornado? I'll tell you what you do, you run for cover and hope to be alive after it passes.

With all that is involved with climate, we must consider the creative process God planned for there to be seasons.....a time for planting and reaping. Even His created sun and moon have their influence on our seasons. All of God's creation is beyond wonder, even beyond those brilliant folks who seem to have everything about weather, climate and “green” figured out.

There is another climate change that is much more needed. Climate doesn't just refer to weather conditions. Climate can indicate one's mood or spirit. As critical as we might be regarding natural weather misinformation, our own personal climate of spirit or mood is also more than important. We may not be able to do anything about tornadoes and storms, but we do have something to say about our own spiritual condition and relationship with our Lord. In all of the culture wars going on around us, the fact is that it is in Jesus we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28a.) It is our own spiritual climate we can do something about as we maintain our focus on THE One who is most important and Creator of all.

What a glorious place Heaven will be where the climate will never need changing, where Jesus is the light and all will be perfect. There will be no need for debating about anything, all because of God and God alone.

Help us in these days, Father, to stay focused on You knowing You are sovereign and are in control of everything at all times. You never have to scratch Your head in wonder about anything. Thank You for Your provision of love and security for we,Your children. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

ROCKS GALORE

...for they (Israelites in the wilderness)
drank of that spiritual Rock that
followed them: and that Rock
was Christ.
I Corinthians 10:4

Where I live, there are rocks. In size they can be as small as a pebble, but can also be as large as a mountain. They can be found in various sizes along trails, sitting in rivers, streams and waterfalls. Many people use them in their yards for landscaping. Rocks can cause stumbling or can be a kind of defense. Our river would look pretty plain without the rocks that grace those waters.

For close to a year, I kept a small rock on my chair-side table. It was given to me by one of my grandsons. He and his siblings when they visit, love going to my “place” that is near a small cascading water area. He and I used to go near a place there where we would throw pebbles into the stream. That small, lonely rock sat on my table with the promise that after I got over my knee replacement surgery, he and I would go back to that place and again throw our rocks into that rapid stream. It was a reminder to me to get well and to keep a promise. We recently got to throw our rocks in that river...on the count of three. When their family left, guess what? I found another rock on my table. I don't know who left it there, but nevertheless, it encourages me.

Scripture is full of “rocks” mentioned for one reason or another. When Moses met God on Mt. Sinai, God carved out a cleft in the rock for him to take shelter in as God passed by. Moses was also told on one occasion to smite a rock for receiving water. Further into Scripture God Himself is proclaimed to be the Rock. It was even declared that there is no Rock like our God. Scripture also tells us that God is our rock as in fortress and security.

There are other “rocks” I can recall from time past. Those rocks are people I have known who in the direst of circumstances have been strong and firm in it all. I'm thinking of friends and some family who have gone through the dregs of cancer. There are folks in our day I know who have suffered greatly from Covid but their faith remains in place and growing. The answer to that strength is Jesus the true Rock. That Rock stays with us and gives us a firm foundation on which to stand. We sing: “On Christ the solid rock we stand...all other ground is sinking sand.” That goes a long way when life seems to cave in on us

I'm so grateful that the greatest power even beyond the knowledge of man is with me no matter my circumstances. All other sources of security the world presents is temporary at best. In our river here, one thing rocks do is provide a beauty camera lovers strive to capture. There is a beauty in one in Christ who stands firm on Jesus THE Rock.

Thank You Father for the loving security You provide us in every circumstance. May we knowingly accept Jesus as that Rock of security we need in every circumstance of our lives.. Thank You for Your loving provision that meets our every need. In Jesus' name....Amen 

THAT'S THE BOOK FOR ME

 

For this cause also thank we God
ceasing, because when
ye received the word of God
which ye heard of us,
ye received it not as the
word of men, but, as it is in
truth, the word of God, which
effectually worketh also in you
that believe.
I Thessalonians 2:13

In Sunday schools earliest days, we sang:

The B-I- B-L-E.
Yes that's the Book for me.
I stand alone on the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E.

That was good preaching in song whether at the time, we knew it or not.

Apostle Paul loved the Thessalonian people. His words to them were encouraging. He spent time encouraging new believers to grow in the Lord. He encouraged the people to live lives of holiness. Paul also encouraged them regarding the Lord's coming. Both I and II Thessalonians are wonderful books to spend time in. Paul wasn't just speaking to them, but the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our dy from these very same words.

I parked on the above verse not too long ago as Paul addressed those folks and their acceptance of God's Word. It reminded me of how I should be reviewing my own regard of God's Word.

They accepted it as being truth.

Those folks had received the Word as from God, and
were allowing the Word to really work in their own lives.

My personal view of this was to ask myself if I approach the Word of God fully as they did. So often, I take the Bible for granted. After all, the Bible has been a part of us and our country from it's foundation. However, the Bible isn't a relic or souvenir of some sort. It's a love letter and tool for our use in developing in the Lord for His glory. Our Bible is very practical in it's guidance and direction. We don't have to have a seminary degree to understand it. All believers have the blessed advantage of having the same teacher...God's own Holy Spirit.

My mind goes back to that simple song we sang so long ago. Do we still stand alone on the B-I-B-L-E? It's an old song but with a fresh message for today.

Thank You, Father, for Your Word. What a wonderful gift You have left in our hands. Through it we know of Your love, direction and truth to stand on. May be never leave it sitting idle on a table unattended or ignore what we read. Forgive when we are negligent in reading and obeying what it teaches. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

FILL IN THE BLANK

She was the prettiest high school girl I had ever seen, a distant relative I had never met before. Jesus just radiated from her life and I had the privilege of spending a few days around her. This was the first peer-age person I had ever just sat and talked with about spiritual things. She gave me a senior picture and wrote a nice message on the back. In the corner she wrote the Bible reference I'm dealing with today. I made it my verse at the time and for a few years after that, but did I have the right perspective regarding that verse?

A few weeks ago, Brian and I had the privilege of being back at the Billy Graham Training Center for a seminar led by Dr. Jerry Vines. He led a study on the book of Philippians which was a very timely thing for me. The first of September, our Sunday school literature would begin a study in Philippians. I was looking for additional information on the subject as I would be teaching part time during the quarter. Little did I expect how I would be convicted in a personal way.

All Dr. Vines had to teach was wonderful, but he seemed to “circle the field” on one particular verse. It was a verse that took me back many years as I had kind of adopted it for myself even signing it to notes and letters. I have loved the verse, but was shocked to learn those weeks back to the seminar, how wrong I had been in adopting that verse. It's a wonderful verse, one anyone can claim if it is treated in a spiritually accurate way. That verse reads:

For me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

That was Paul's testimony and rightly so. That was his life in every way. But it is different for for the rest of us whose testimony might not be that up to par.

Dr. Vines pointed out two places in that verse where there are two blanks. One blank is where we see the word “Christ” and the other is where is seen the word “gain.” Paul's verse was accurate from his own personal life. However, for me to live is what? What would we put in that blank...family, money, job, etc. or could we put Jesus' name in that blank?

The last blank has only two possibilities depending on what we put in the first blank...it is either “gain” or “loss”. If we put “Jesus” in that first blank, then “gain” is the appropriate word. Anything else in the first blank means “less” that would be appropriate for the last blank.

I pondered that during our time there and have since thought often of it probably on a daily basis. I want to be able to write that verse as Paul did. My goal is having Jesus first, my all in all and eventually it will be gain, gain, gain. It should be the same for us all. With Holy Spirit help, I'm working to that end.

Father, thank You for Your word and how clearly it speaks to us in every way. Thank You too for Your convicting power through Your Holy Spirit who teaches us and corrects us. I want my life to always radiate Jesus...Who I love and Whose name is above all names...Amen.

BETWEEN HERE AND THERE

Being confident of this very thing
that he which hath begun a good
in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

A major event in our family life when I was little was Monday wash day. My Mother rarely missed doing that. Monday evening she “sprinkled” the newly clean clothes that needed ironing the next day. Usually nothing else was done on those two days. With a move to another house, clotheslines had to be put up in our back yard.

My Daddy's huge contribution to all of that busyness had been to plant support poles that would hold clothes lines. One was put on one side of the yard and the other on the opposite side. He had a man weld two sturdy metal pipes with a cross beam on the top of each one. There was a huge hole dug, poles planted with lots of concrete poured in the hole to secure the poles. There were four hearty clothes line ropes pulled between those two posts. He would also make some tall wooden props with a notch at the top of them that could be put on a sagging rope holding clothes that would raise the clothes higher in the air as if raising a flag.

I never knew a week when something wasn't hanging on one or more of those ropes. In the time during spring cleaning, rugs would be taken out, thrown on a clothes line or two and then with metal rug beaters would be used until it would seem there couldn't be an ounce of dust left in them. There were times when my sister Kay and I were allowed to make tents by throwing a large, long cover across a clothes line to make a tent to play in. We didn't get to do that often, but when we did, it was more fun than most kids in our day will ever know in a lifetime.

What do clothes lines have to do with anything spiritual in nature? I look at our spiritual experience with regard to those clothes lines. One pole to me represents our beginning with the Lord...that time when we came to know Him as personal Savior. The other reminds me of our end...our journey to Heaven...beginning and end...those support poles stand ready to do their jobs from our spiritual beginning until Heaven.

However, for many Christians they seem to feel that the beginning and end is all there is to the Christian life. Some accept Jesus as Savior and don't consider there's a lot of rope between the beginning and the end. However, most of us know there's a lot to be done from beginning to end. There's a lot to be hung on those lines through our years of living with and for Jesus. We hopefully will come to know Jesus better, a devotional life to be developed so we can know Him better, and there's service for others needed that we do in Jesus name...there's a world that needs Jesus. God knows how He wants to use us but we must be available to His leadership

There's a lot to hang on those ropes in our lives. It's vital we realize our responsibility in it all and not just lope along through life having never hung out anything for Jesus on those ropes of our lives. Rain may bring anxiety, storms may bring problems, and birds may fly over our clothes lines dropping their private drops of ugliness, but negatives will come. Despite the set backs, we are to tend our spiritual clothes lines. We don't even have to take the things off the lines of our lives...Jesus will gather all of those things and then will let us in on it all when we see Him in glory.

Thank You Father not just for Jesus and Heaven to come but for everything You give us the privilege of doing for You. Strengthen us for the tasks You call us to and we will give you the glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

DOOR OF WELCOME

Behold, I stand at the door and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20

For years, in church classrooms and even in the homes of Christian people, one could find the picture of Jesus knocking on a door. Jesus is seen holding a lantern in his left hand standing at a door with His hand in knocking position, hoping to be invited to enter. A house itself is not prominent but the door is enough to give the impression of a building. For many years, I didn't really notice one of the most important parts of that picture. As the lantern's light glowed against the door, it seemed to reflect the shape of a heart. The real evident thing about the door is that there is no door knob or handle on the outside. The door in the picture has to opened from the inside.

I've heard evangelists refer to this picture that Jesus was knocking on the door of the heart of an unsaved person. However, the above verse is found where God is speaking to the seven churches in Revelation. In fact, God is speaking to the church at Laodicea, a church satisfied with their lives and yet was a lukewarm church at best.

Prior to the above verse in verse 19, we find not just a rebuke but an invitation is extended. It's a verse that moves right into verse 20 where God says:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent.

Have you ever gone to someone's house for whatever reason where you knocked on the door but there was no response? You knew someone was home. but they just didn't answer the door. We have a picture of a very loving Savior knocking on the door of one's heart. Jesus will never force Himself on us. His promise to us is if we open the door of our hearts to Him, He will enter where He can fellowship with us and we with Him. His fellowship with us is one on one, very personal.

I've asked myself when the last time was that I opened my Bible and prayerfully asked Jesus to enter through His Holy Spirit and then to give Him unlimited time for us to be together in close fellowship. How often do I leave Him outside knocking on the door of my heart, trying to draw me to Himself but I'm just too busy or spiritual numb. May He never have to knock twice when He calls on any of us.

Dear Jesus, no one has come close to do for me all You have done. You continue to love me despite my spiritual slackness at times. Forgive me for those times I have left You standing outside the door of my heart. May I consistently desire more times of fellowship with You. In Your precious name....Amen

LOOKING BACK

Be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

There are times when someone does something for us in secret and they have no way of knowing at the moment what it means to us. This last weekend is one of those times when a friend couldn't have known the impact of leaving a precious gift at my front door.

I grew up with the greatest of neighbors. I often went to the house of Mr. & Mrs. Rennie. They lived two doors down from us. We referred to them as Old Mr. Rennie and Old Mrs. Rennie. Our parents always referred to them as “Old”. They were probably in their mid sixties...they weren't just old. They were very old....OLD. I loved them and often went to their house. Old Mr. Rennie's entire backyard was a garden. Many people in those WWII days had gardens, but he grew about anything you could think about.

In the summer I learned to walk through our neighbors back yard to Old Mr. Rennie's back door. He would come to the door and I would tell him I wanted to eat a tomato. He had taught me how to pick one that was ripe and the right size. We would sit on his back steps, each eating a tomato. He would bring a salt shaker and we would both indulge. I knew I had to sit on that step until I ate all of my tomato leaving only the stem part. There just was no taste like Old Mr. Rennie's tomatoes.

I have spent my life loving tomatoes and really looking for just one tomato that tasted like those tomato's I ate on those concrete steps with and OLD friend. I've sought that taste and although most tomatoes have been very good, there has just been something missing.

Sunday, a friend left four gorgeous tomatoes on my front porch. I don't know who did it but brought them in anticipating eating one when I got home after church. I couldn't wait to dig in and did so after grabbing my salt shaker. I took my first Bite. I just sat there chewing on that goodness. All I was thinking was “Old Mr Rennie.” I couldn't believe that after 78 years, THE tomato had finally made it's appearance in my life. Sounds strange I know but that's the way it was.

All of that for this....we never know when we show a kindness in another's life what that might mean to that person. I've done those things and it's kind of fun pulling off a secret on someone. At the same time, on the other end and in many cases, we may not know until Heaven what that act of kindness meant to one who was perhaps going through a hard time and an “Old Mr Rennie: memory may be stirred in that person's mind and are blessed. How fun to be that kind of encouragement. A person need not be going through a tough time for such thoughtfulness. We can all use an extra smile at anytime.

As Christians, we're called to be people-conscience whether they be saved or unsaved friends. Maybe that “tomato” could be a seed sown in an unsaved heart that would draw that person to seek and find. Perhaps a Christian who is discouraged with life would feel a warmth that someone thought of them in a special way and they were blessed. Often just such a thing can encourage our own hearts as givers knowing that for a moment, we took our eyes off of our own problems and thought of someone else.

It may mean a phone call, a card, or a word of kindness...even a tomato We live in a needy world and are still called to be “Jesus with sin on.” Let's not be weary in well doing. Too many people need us.

Thank You, Father for the people You have brought into my life through the years who have blessed me in so many ways. Thank You for the notes, church friends, teachers, green beans, squash and yes, tomatoes that have brought me through some tough times. Thank You mostly for Jesus Who is my all in all. In His precious name....Amen 

UNDER THE FEATHERS

 

He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou
trust: his truth shall be thy
shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4

Anyone who gets a card from me knows that in the inside bottom right corner of that card, I print “Ps 91.” The “Ps” doesn't refer to “public school” as it has in the past, but refers to the book of Psalms. For several years, it has been a Psalm I read often, especially in a time when I need a warm hug from God. It's a Psalm of strength, comfort, security and love, among other wonderful benefits. Through all those things, I've come to know God so much better and it reinforces my trust and faith.

The entire Psalm is precious, but there are qualities I see sprinkled through this Psalm that remind me of who God is, such as:

*Most High -1
*Almighty-1
*Lord-2
*Refuge-2
*Fortress-2
*My God-2
*Feathers and wings-4
*Shield and buckler-4
*Angels on duty-11

There is so much more in all the verses of that Psalm that connect it all. Verse 4 is one I have on a plaque and even on a necklace I wear often. In that verse I see the warmth and tender care of the Father as expressed as a mother bird would protect and provide for her little ones. In that warmth and tender care, security and trust is built up.

The story is told of a prairie fire that occurred many years ago. A family had to forsake their homestead because of the fire. When all was over, the family returned to find total devastation. However they found the charred body of a hen. The man just kicked it over and from there three or four little chicks scurried from under the mother hen's charred body. She had extended her wings pulling her chicks down and under her wings for protection.

As I look at the above verse, I am reminded of that mother hen, providing love and life for her chicks. In that verse is not only the protection and warmth under His wings, but we see a God armed for battle...shield and buckler. He's prepared in every way to be our defense. A shield is a large item that would cover most of a soldiers body,. The buckler was a smaller round shield with a strap the soldier could hold on the forearm while holding a sword in the other hand. It was used for closeup skirmishes. All of this is a way to describe our God, our protector and defender from the evil one.

All in all, this Psalm spells for me L-O-V-E as only God can show and feel for me. I'm not worthy of one moment of His attention, but that is just who He is in my and your life as well. In these days, we need to read over and over who God is in our lives. Jesus gave His all on this earth that we might know this wonderful love and care only God can provide. He is as near as the breath we breath. Under His feathers we find comfort, help, security, love and so much more. Join me...under His feathers

Dear Father God, how we thank You for all You are in our lives. We can't begin to make the list of Your times of protection, provision and peace You have extended to us all because of Your love for us. May Your Holy Spirit continue to guide and teach us. Help us to walk in obedience and grow in You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

ONE FOUNDATION

Neither pray I for these alone, but
for them also which shall believe
on me through their word;

That they all may be one; as thou,
Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may b one in us:
that the world may believe
that thou has sent me.

And the glory which thou gavest
me I have given them: they may
be one, even as we are one.
John 17:20-22

One of my favorite Bible studies is from John 14-17. These chapters are so rich in love and concern on Jesus' part. In chapters 14 through 16, Jesus spoke to his disciples with regard to His soon departure. He gave a lot of promise and encouragement they couldn't have understood in the moment. By the way, those promises are important for us today the same as back then. Chapter 17, however, is what has come to be known as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. It is a gem above all gems as He prayed for those dear men He had loved and led. The last part of that prayer looks down through the ages to where you and I are right now. The above verses are just a samples of His concern for future believers.

This all has come to my attention because of an event that happened recently at the supper table where we were at the time for a five-day seminar. The tables seat eight and we happened to be alone at one table. A couple approached and asked if they could join us which is the usual question no matter how many are already at the table. We welcomed them.

I would say the couple was perhaps early 60's, nice looking and quite personable, especially the gentleman. They took their seats and proceeded to say grace between them which again is normal for that setting. Usually people look at each other's name tags to at least see where folks are from as a point of conversation. This time, that didn't happen. With his very polished voice, he looked at us and simply asked, “Are you Baptists?” He could have asked us most anything to begin a conversation, but this sounded a little odd, but Brian answered in the affirmative.

With that, in between bites, the man began with giving us his history with Baptists. He had been an association director a couple of times, had offers to pastor but not I'm sure what he ended up doing. He did indicate he was finished with Baptists and they were happy in a non-denominational setting. He had even told his pastor that their church reminded him of a Baptist church. His pastor replied that he was honored to hear that.

After eating, we went into the auditorium. The guest pianist began playing a short concert prior to the speaker coming to teach us.. For at least ten minutes, she played one hymn using a variety of style for each time she played it. As God would have it, after our interesting supper, she played “The Church's One Foundation.” It brought back lines to my mind as she played. Some phrases from that blessed, old hymn came to my mind:

*The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.
*One holy name she blesses; partakes one holy food
*Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One

...and there are others describing our Kingdom citizenship because of what Christ has done for each of us. There were several usages of the word “one” throughout the hymn. Name tags gave no church affiliation at this place. I never heard denomination discussed, only this one time. We were there as God's Kingdom Kids and it was so refreshing. We believers are all a part of God's family, no matter the name of the church or denomination. We believers stand on our mutual foundation....Jesus.

Thank You dear Jesus for doing so much to bring us to Yourself. Thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit that teaches us from it. Thank You for the fellowship we have with other believers because of You dying for each of us. Forgive our sin and keep us from the evil one. We love you...in Your precious name...Amen 

PREPARATION OF A PLACE

Let not your heart be troubled:
ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I
would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3

With the exception of where we now live in beautiful East Tennessee, there has been something very consistent in my life with my husband. We have lived many places, five of which meant the construction of a house where we would live. We have leased a couple of times, but Brian has usually seen those places before I did. When we made a move to Virginia, he went ahead to find a place to lease for a couple of years. He brought back pictures of the house we would live in for that time. When it has come to the roof over our heads, most of the time Brian has taken me to the places he already arranged for. I trusted him to the fullest in the making of such decisions.

Brian has always had good taste in so many ways and choosing a place for us to live was n exception. He's usually picked a place as new a possible for many obvious reasons. All places have been clean and nice and some brand new even to the point of our building a new place. We've never lived in a mansion, nor would we go looking for one.

I must admit when I think about a place to live in Heaven, I get a little concerned. You see, I don't care all that much about anything gold...jewelry, gilt items, etc. For ten years now, I've lived in Eastern Tennessee, a stone's throw from our house to the Smoky Mt. National Park. We are surrounded by “green” as far as the eye can see. I love trees in all of their various shades of green glory. I can't imagine from Scripture what Heaven will be like, but I read of gold, gates of pearl and various precious stones in Heaven's foundation. It's sounds lovely. but I sure would like a green tree or two I can look at.

In pondering all of this not long ago, the Holy Spirit just put on my heart that it really doesn't make that much of a difference the physical make up of Heaven. The cosmetics of it all are going to pale in light of what it will be like with being with Jesus, the Light of the World. Just the privilege of sitting around the throne with Jesus at the right hand of the Father with all believers will be more than we can comprerhend. It was the same with Brian's preparations. Even if I hadn't liked a place, it would have been home because Brian would be there.

Jesus was very clear about His leaving the disciples and as disturbed as they were, Jesus gave them some points of encouragement that are meant for us to consider as well. Those are found in the above verses. Read them and try to soak it all in. Wrap yourself in John's chapters 14-17 and immerse yourself in Jesus' final, personal time with His disciples..

We read these verses and feel they are for the disciples only. Jesus spoke on our behalf as well. We won't always be on the earth in the middle of all it's muck. There will be a day when we, His children, will know eternal peace, an uninterrupted peace...an eternal peace like we've never known. We'll have no more political promises of unity or military promises of peace treaties. There will be no more striving between races or other cultural concerns. We will know a peace and contentment we can't even imaging right now. What a glorious day that will be.

Thank You Jesus for going to prepare places for us where we'll abide with You forever. Thank You for the hope you have placed in our hearts and for Your shed blood that covers we, Your chidlren. In Your precious name I pray...Amen 

GOD GOES BEFORE US

And the Lord, he it is that doth
go before thee; he will be with
thee, he will not fail thee,
neither forsake thee: fear not,
neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Moses had already said similar words as above to the Israelites he had been leading. A new leader was required as Moses wasn't going to lead the people himself into the Promised Land. Moses took Joshua to one side to make it official that he would be the new leader of the people in his place. The above verse is just a part of of what Moses said to Joshua.

I don't know what can “rattle our cages” more than huge change in our lives. Even if a family makes a move, going together, there is something very lonely about a huge move of some sort. I didn't have a family at the time, was single working in a Christian Center. I thought I would spend my life there, but God had other plans. After a sermon on Sunday morning, I sensed God's leading for me to leave the position and work I loved so much. Making such a move seemed an impossible thing to do. I had no money, no car, forthcoming job or place to live. It was overwhelming.

Early one morning while praying and pondering, it “came to me” that I had enough college library science hours to have minored in the subject. Just down from my church was a fairly new public library. I borrowed the Center's car and ventured to that library and spoke with the head librarian. After a lengthy conversation, he simply said: “When can you start?” I told him it wouldn't be for at least a week or so. That was fine with him.

I walked out the door of that library and looked across the street. A lady was putting up a “For Rent” sign in the door window of a very old apartment building. I hurried over to speak with her. She had a very small furnished apartment for rent. After conversation and telling her I had no money, she offered the place to me with no deposit. I would be a block from Kroger's, two blocks from my bank, a half block from my church and three large blocks from downtown. I got back to the Center that day exhausted from all the blessings of the day.

From that move, in a matter of a couple of months, I met Brian and within a year, we would be married. It was almost unbelievable how God led in less than a year having gone ahead of me. I didn't know that the library needed new personnel, nor did I know an apartment would need a tenant, but God knew. He knew THE day I needed to go to that library and how He already had my life planned out.

I usually don't like to give this much personal information, but God can teach any of us so much in such a short period of time. I learned to listen and trust Him when he led. I can't say I was a great person of faith at the time, but my faith was reinforced times over in just that one day. A big thing I learned is how God goes before me. When I got to the library, He was already there. When I walked out and looked across the street, God was already there. It was if He had swept everything out of my path to get me where He wanted me to be.

This kind of incident in my life isn't unusual. Probably anyone reading this can think back and see how God wonderfully led in their lives. For us all to have experienced such, something had to die. My dream of living and working where I had been had to die for new life to begin and any kind of death isn't comfortable for any of us, but drastic change usually demands dying to self. In it all, God is always in charge and leads in our lives in very personal ways. We can't see how He's working, but we must have faith to believe that He loves us beyond comprehension and does all things well.

Father God, I continue to be amazed at how You work in the lives of people. You are Sovereign, Someone who knows all and can function on my behalf in such amazing ways. I am so grateful and dearly love every part of You...Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. It's in Jesus name I pray...Amen

DO NOT FEED THE BEARS

There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man: But God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Corinthians 10:13

Black bears are a real fascination for folks who come to our mountains. People swarm to our nearby cove to just have the joy of spotting a bear or two. We are near enough to the park to even have bears occasionally visit in our town. If a neighbor spots one, he is quick to alert other neighbors. Black bears are not like stuffed animals one can purchase in a visitor's center. They are very much alive, very fast runners, defensive of their young, unpredictable and usually very hungry.

Black bears really are beautiful signs to behold. The smaller ones are fun to watch as they follow close behind their mommas. As fascinating as it all is, there are signs that warn people to stay at a good distance from any bear they see in a nearby field. My shock is to see the carelessness shown toward these seemingly friendly animals by well meaning visitors. We have seen people do really stupid things. We saw a father with a two year old little boy, edge up to a bear to the point of being just about 10 yards or less from the bear. He just wanted his son to get a good look. There is no way that dad could have outrun that bear if the bear had turned on him and his son.

People are cautioned about feeding the bears. Human food can turn that animal's system into something that is unnatural. If used to human food, bears will seek out human food and such a venture can mean real danger for a well-meaning tourist. Bears can see or sense food left in a car while a family goes for a hike. Bears have been known to open car doors to gain access to delicacies left behind in it. Bears just being bears can end up being euthanized because of the careless behavior of human beings.

Sin can at times look as innocent as a cuddly little black bear. The sin may seem innocent enough and harmless at best. The problem with little bears is that they quickly grow to be bigger ones, bears that can show their fierceness at times with little provocation. A live bear always has to eat to keep alive and satisfied. Such is the same with sin.

There are so many seemingly innocent things that can take hold of our lives and I'm speaking of we Christians. Somehow because we are God's children, we feel we are immune to the horrible effects of little innocent temptations that can eventually have destructive effects in our lives. Moderation can go out the window when presented with any sin.

One of the attributes of sin, like our bears, is that it demands to be fed. It will plead, beg and nag to be fed. It is relentless. This is why temptation is such a dangerous thing. Many Christians feel they are immune to temptation. Satan loves when we feel like that. What tempts you might not tempt me. Satan has us and our weaknesses all figured out and knows just the right thing to dangle in front of us.

I think the older we become, the more immune we feel we are from most worldly things and that may be true. However, we may have our own set of sins that God still hates. Where some younger person may get hung up on alcohol, an older person may get great delight in gossip and spreading as much negative information as possible. We can have issues of anger and resentment that may seem harmless when just the opposite is true.

I know the “bears” in my life that demand my attention, time and response. Let the real black bears feed on all the berries and nuts they can find. Our answer is to be folks who feed regularly on the Word of God. When faced with the roar of temptations, flee it as quickly as one should get away from any black bear found in a park. Both can be terribly damaging.

Father, thank You for Jesus who died for our sin and to give us life eternal. Keep us alert as to Satan's tactics. May we act against such with Holy Spirit power to resist him while clinging to Your precious word. In Jesus name...Amen 

SUIT UP

Finally, my brethren, be strong in
the Lord, and in the power of
his might.
Ephesians 6:10

Lately I have been so blessed by spending time in the book of Ephesians. I realize we are living in a culture that is tossing and turning in pain. However, it must be noted that this culture of ours is made up of individual people. Like it or not, we're in the middle of it and need all the encouragement we can.

How comforting to know that we are not left defenseless. Our loving Father saw down through eternity our need of tools with which to fight the attacks of Satan. He has given us pieces of spiritual armor with which to deal with the wiles of the evil one. Each piece is important. Without even one piece, Satan will attack that weak area of our lives. Thus we are commanded:

Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

All pieces of that armour are for the purpose of protection except for one and that is the gospel of peace. We can fend off any spiritual attack with the Word of God. Without that weapon, we just aren't going to have the strength needed to fight any spiritual battle we are faced with.

Many of such spiritual skirmishes I seem to experience are at night, in bed, in the dark, morning hours, and can't sleep. This happens off and on with me and I've learned to just grab my sword (Bible), head for the living room and allow the sword to do it's work. If we aren't very acquainted with our sword (Bible) we wouldn't know what to do with it. However, the Holy Spirit in His loving patience, can steer us in the right direction.

This kind of thing happened to me just about four nights ago. I had some folks and situations on my mind, things God is very capable of taking care of. I got up, headed for my chair in the living room and turned to one of my comfort zones in the Word...Philippians. At my age, I at times think maybe God is ready for me to “hang up my spurs.” There it was...1:6”

Being confident of this very thing,
that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.

I can't tell you how that warmed my heart at about 2:00 AM. You see, when we think of the spiritual armor and the sword, we think of huge negative events that come into our lives. What I'm thinking is that God wants us suited up for any kind of warfare Satan may bring into our lives. A soldier takes great care to know his weapon, how to shoot it, how to clean it, etc. Without that effort, a soldier could be in great danger when in the course of battle.

Let's determine to know our swords (Bibles). Among all the pieces of spiritual armor, only the Word is our defensive weapon. We need it for battle in the hardest of times, but also perhaps in the midnight hours when we need to come out swingin'.

Dear Jesus, You not only died to save us but you have given us the best of tools with which to fight evil the assaults us. Through Your Holy Spirit, may we be encouraged and even excited about being in Your Word for strengthening and encouragement. Forgive our remiss in not making it more a priority in our lives. In Your precious name....Amen 

TAKE ME BACK

Take me back, take me back, dear Lord
To the place where I first received You.

In recent days, the above words from a song have been running through my mind. For all of us, there are places in our past lives we don't wish to revisit,but there are spiritual events we should revisit every now and then. We've all had more time in recent months to do some thinking. Perhaps this thinking has been mostly on the negative side. It doesn't have to be like that for God's kids though. So I have revisited some places spiritually that have been heart warmers for me.

Jesus came into my heart, one sunny morning after an evangelist's sermon. I could take you to the church and where I was sitting at the time. (Renovations would keep me from taking you to that pew now.) What a wonderful day. We were given little copies of the book of John with a place on the back to fill in our name and date of salvation. I still have it although it looks as worn as I do. I often go back to that day. Little did I recognize at that time what that decision would mean in my life and eternal future. After all, I was only ten years old at the time. There's never been a regret. How often do you return to that time in your life? It should be a heart warmer for you as well.

I received my first Bible at the age of 12, two years after being saved. I admired my friend Donna's Bible. She marked verses in it that were meaningful to her. I had never seen that before and began doing that when I got my new Bible. I still have done it with every Bible I've owned. King James was the Bible in 1949 everyone used. We could never have looked into the future to see all the translations we have now. I have used one in particular I feel a confidence in...however...in these days of revisiting time gone by, I have again pulled out a KJV I have had on a bookshelf. I'm so enjoying going back to the “thee's and thou's.” The Holy Spirit, our teacher, taught us well from the KJV we all grew up with and He still does.

A fun thing I'm doing with returning to the KJV is listing those verses and passages I memorized years ago whether in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School. Some I've never forgotten although their addresses are vague at times. Of course, there is Psalm 23. Long ago in marking my Bible, I underlined all of the personal pronouns like me, my and mine. That made that precious Psalm my own. Although memorized, I still like to read it and absorb all of it's promises on the written page.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

I've gone back in memory, remembering those past preachers and teachers in my life. They'll never know how appreciative I am of their investment in the life of a little skinny, tow-headed girl. I'm going back in grateful memory of those folks. They'll never know the difference they made in my life, secondary only to my Savior.

I remember the days of old; I meditate
on all thy works; I muse on the
work of thy hands.
Psalm 143:5

I would encourage us to look back more often. Spiritual highlights in our past lives can be such treasures and blessings for today.

Dear Father God, how grateful we are that You never change. You are our loving Father past, present and future. More important, Your love and care for us never changes. Thank You for all those dear folks in churches and other places You chose to be blessings in our lives. Thank You for Jesus and Your sweet Spirit. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

AFFLICTION

It is good for me that I have
been afflicted; that I might
learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71

When I think of affliction, I think of the first time I remember hearing the word. Polio was the big panic when I was in my latter grade school days. A really sweet girl from our school in a couple of grades lower than mine had “caught” polio. She had to immediately be put in what was then called an “iron lung.” Even with polio, there wasn't a panic I knew of. Schools didn't close nor masks worn. I'm sure parents and teachers were watching out for us. Thank God there was a polio vaccine that came on the scene preventing a great deal of damage across the country.

I heard adults use that A-word, but just thought it was a sickness someone was going through. I know now that affliction covers anything that has to do with pain or suffering. Affliction isn't always going to be physical. There are people who are afflicted with any number of hardships, disease, pain or other troubling events. So several years ago, when I came across the above verse, it was puzzling to me. How could the Psalmist possibly see affliction as being a good thing?

Through time, I've come to understand some things first by looking at many of my past difficulties, many of which I didn't see coming. Some afflictions I also brought on myself. Ten years ago, I didn't ask for bladder cancer. When the doctor told me of it, I wish I could say that my response was “blessed be the Lord.” I was really in a state of shock. God got me through it with treatment, and in those days, I felt such a closeness to Him. That was amazing to me.

When affliction comes, no matter it's cause, it usually comes on quickly. Some circumstances may start small and grow, but many times it comes to us with a shock. Very often it comes with a phone call or a knock on our door. Mental stress brings a different kind of affliction as it is a very lonely thing, often not revealed by anyone who is afflicted with it.

The above verse from Psalm 119, seems to take on a positive look. Affliction is a time of testing God hopes will be spiritually beneficial. Our times of affliction may not be times we first think of when it comes to spiritual growth. However, that's exactly what God means for us in such times. If I've never learned much from these difficulties, I have learned one big thing. It's in my best interest to pass any test God sets before me, for if I don't pass the test, God may retest me. Retesting may be harder yet.

Whatever the affliction, God's desire in it is for us to learn more about Him and His Word. These difficult times are not times to skip spiritual activities....Sunday school, church, Bible reading and prayer and even serving others. A lady said to me: “I'm so down, if I read my Bible I'll get nothing from it.” I said to her, “Read it anyway.” Prayers may change even into complaining. God can take our being upset. He can take our venting in our prayers. After all, He knows our circumstances anyway. He won't allow any difficulty in our lives leaving us alone and helpless. When affliction passes, we'll know God so much better. That's His desire for us and so much more.

Dear Father, help us to remember that there is no affliction that can come into our lives but that it is filtered through Your loving fingers first. Strengthen us in such times. Keep us from bitterness and anger in those days. May we come to know You better through it all. Thank You for Your unconditional love. In Jesus name...Amen 

WORSHIP

Come, let us worship and
bow down, let us kneel
before the Lord our Maker.
Psalm 95:6

So many people through the years have spoken privately or in the course of a spiritual setting of this thing of worship. Of course, the world has used the word with regard to hero worship of favored people such as (“I worship the ground she/he walks on.”) The world also worships fame, money, things,etc. But how are we Christians to view this thing of worship?
I realize a myriad of books have been written on the subject, but my very finite mind chooses to view it in a simple, practical way.

Worship was always been meant for one Person. Worship for we Christians has to do with our Heavenly Father, Jesus and His Spirit and for them alone. How is worship defined for we believers? When we worship God, we are giving our complete attention to Him as we express our honor for His greatness. We may have our own definitions of worship, but that is only a knowledge of it. We don't worship words and definitions. It's something we do regularly out of our loving relationship with God. God delights in His children worshiping Him. I've listed some things below in the fashion I'm accustomed to doing that can contribute to our putting worship into practice.

W-ord
Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15

O-bedience
If ye love me (Jesus), keep my
commandments.
John 14:15

R-ejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

S-inging
O sing unto the Lord a new song:
sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name;
shew forth his salvation from
day to day.
Psalm 96:1,2
WORSHIP

H-eart
Let the words of my mouth, and
the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

I-mitate
Be ye therefore followers of God,
as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also
hath loved us....
Ephesians 5: 1,2a

P-raise
But I will hope continually,
and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalm 71:14

There are many ways we might choose to worship our Heavenly Father. My list isn't exhaustive. You might think of some words to go with those letters that would be worship for you. Whatever the methods we choose, our worship should be backed up by our living. It's not a one time thing for just a moment. The wonderful thing is that we can be people of worship anytime and anywhere. Worship of God should be a vital part of who we are. He deserves no less.

Dear Father, we love You more than we can express. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness for the so many times we disappoint you. Through Your Spirit, strengthen and encourage us to be more for You than we've ever been. We worship and praise You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen 

DECORATION DAY

I thank my God upon every
remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3

For as long as I can remember, this day we refer to as Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. That day started very early for us. Mother had folks saving their tomato juice cans that were used as receptacles for flowers that would be left at each grave we visited. There were some flowers she purchased, but with some peony bushes, we had enough flowers for each container. We traveled to at least three cemeteries that I remember. Two were so far out into the country, being able to locate them was in itself a real task.

At the last cemetery we went to, the farm ladies had a spread of food put out that would shock anyone. The men had brought saw horses and boards to lay on them. That became a VERY long table. Each lady brought all of her home cooked specialties that would blow your mind. There was lots of hot coffee and sweet iced tea at anyone's desire. The meal usually started after everyone had decorated the graves of friends and loved ones. When you got a plate from one person, you could go anyplace at that table to get whatever you wanted. There were no paper plates or plastic glasses. I never saw a plastic fork or spoon there as well only regular metal utensils.

Decoration Day was a day to remember loved ones who had died. After some years, the day was renamed to Memorial Day that paid extra homage to those in the military present and past, especially those who died in the service of our country. When just a little thing, my Mother received a phone call that my Dad's best man at his wedding had been killed in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. Both my parents wept over that and we made haste to go to the home to be with his widow. Many tears have been shed since WWII over so many who died on the field of battle as well as in the air.

So today we remember and some will do some decorating at various cemeteries. Remembering all those who have gone before us is a good thing. However, I don't think we do that just on one day.

In all of our remembering, we often forget One who died for all of us. We don't tend to remember Him on this day but why not? Jesus gave more on our behalf than any relatives or persons lost in military service. He died that we all might have life, and have it abundantly. His name is Jesus. His name isn't on a grave marker because there was no need of one. He died and rose again in victory over Satan and sin. He is ours for the asking...asking Him into our hearts as Lord and Savior. Let's spend some time today remembering Him, what He gave up to come to earth and all He did for us while here. Of all the ones we remember, there's not a one who has risen from the dead in some cemetery, but He did and did it for you and me. Lest we forget!!

Thank You Father for Your love and for sending Your loving Son to die for us all. We can never repay You or Him for newness of life. We remember You today with hearts of gratitude. We love You and we remember. In Jesus' precious name...Amen